Elaine Pasqua To Visit Bryant

February 9, 2005

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Bryant University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with its NCAA Life Skills program, is proud to welcome speaker Elaine Pasqua to campus on Wednesday, February 9. Pasqua, who visits college campuses throughout the country, will speak to the Bryant Student-Athletes at the Janikies Auditorium at 7 p.m. in a presentation titled: Sex and Excess - Surviving the Party.

In this seventy five minute, high energy, fun and interactive program, Pasqua will speak to students about reassessing their goals and evaluate the negative effects of high-risk behaviors.

No high-risk behavior is more destructive to a successful college education than alcohol abuse. With hard facts and playful humor Elaine highlights the effects of alcohol abuse on academic performance, as well as DUI’s, increased violence, physical injuries, property damage, assault, and sex under the influence. She directly connects alcohol use to date rape and date rape drugs. The effects of illegal drugs on college performance and the risks of unprotected sex are frankly discussed.

Elaine openly discusses sexual responsibility and the consequences of unwanted pregnancies and STD's through thought provoking interactive exercises. These activities get students up and out of their seats and places them in real life situations. Students across the country have remarked that these exercises really hit home and made them think about their behavior choices. Elaine's warmth and non-judgmental approach to sensitive topics allows students to feel comfortable in sharing their experiences and to respond positively to her messages.

A professed survivor of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, Elaine shares stories of individuals whose lives were changed by what seemed to be an inconsequential decision. She wants her audiences to understand that good people sometimes make bad choices.

The main objective of this program is to encourage participants to think about long term consequences before they engage in high-risk behaviors, and to come up with alternative plans. Students learn to base their decisions on facts rather than emotions, to empower themselves to hold their ground, and to communicate effectively with their peers.

Elaine is the president of Project Prevent, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide AIDS prevention education to students ranging from elementary through high school. She has been featured in USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Knight Ridder News Service, and Time Warner Cable. She resides in Doylestown, Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons.

Bryant University is a proud member of the NCAA Champs/Life Skills program. The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.